MW-Energy Sector Project - P099626

Consultancy For The Design And Installation Of Geological Data
Management Information Systems
MINING GOVERVANCE AND GROWTH SUPPORTPROJECT
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY AND MINING
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONOF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES-FIRMS SELECTION)
Country:Malawi
Name of Project: Mining Governance and Growth SupportProject
Assignment Title: Consultancy for the Design and Installationof Geological Data Management Information Systems
ProcurementReference Number: MNREE/MGGSP/ COMP-C/C/04
IssueDate: 18th October, 2014
1.0 Background
This Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) follows theGeneral Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared in the UN Development Business onlineof 23rd June,2011.
The Government of Malawi (GoM) through the Ministry of NaturalResources, Energy and Mining is implementing the Mining Governance and Growth Support Project(MGGSP) with support from the WorldBank and European Union. Among others, the Projecthas a component topromote the mineral sector. One of the objectives under this component is to establish a Geodata Management Center in order todigitise, store, and increase on-line access to geo data which will be stored and managed by a web-based application calledGeological Data Management Information System (GDMIS) which is integrated into GIS environment.
Geological information isessential to the Government to understand the country's mineral potential as well as for a number of applications likeenvironmental management or land use planning. However, the information needs to be stored and made accessible to users, includingpotential investors. Public access provides the underlying rationale for the investment of public funds in acquiring and managingthe geo-data.
The web-based application will allow timely, secure, andtransparent storage of data, easy handling of storages, processing and retrieval of large quantities of data, flow of information,searching and sorting of specific information uniformly, accurately, quickly and easy generation of reports and permittingintegration of graphic data. The GDMIS will be a real-time, role-based, conditional access system with entering the data onreal-time basis using the web andthe data getting stored and updated in designated central servers.
It is expected that the GDMIS will have three components whichare: administrative system (back end), web based system interfaced with the user via internet(front end) and the underline databasewhich will be interfaced (several servers).
To achieve thisdesire of establishing a GDMIS, theMinistry would like to seek services of a consulting firm to undertake the assignment as specified in the scope ofwork.
2.0 Scope of Work
The consultant will design, develop, implement and train users of Geological Data ManagementInformation System (GDMIS). This system should provide suitable, flexible, interactive and user-friendly tools to allow collationof inputs as well as integration andexploitation of available information from various Geological Survey staff and from other inputmedia. The system should also produce standard reports and disseminate information to the general public in a systematic way.
2.1 Objectives of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment is to ensure that a web-based GDMISis designed, developed and installed in the Geo-data Management Center (GDC) and that on the one hand staff is properly trained tomanage the data, and on the other the general public have full access to the data.
2.2 Specific Tasks
The consultants' duties and responsibilities willinclude but will not necessarily be limited tothe following:
i. Review Geological Data Management SystemReport by Dr. Andy Killick and complete the inventory of existing geological data as needed
ii. Organize and supervise the scanning and digitizing of existing analoguegeological, geo-chemical,geo-physical and geo-hazard data (includingreports, maps and related literature). Designand develop a GDMIS application according to common sets of fundamental GIS design steps; qualities of good database and according to international best practices. These willinclude;
a. Carrying out system analysis anddesigning of the system architecture.
b. Developing an application prototype
c. Carrying out Meta data repositoryanalysis
iii. Develop the geo-database (Implementation phase)
iv. Deploy the database system GDMIS (implementation of the system)
v. Produce system user manuals ( such a system will provide appropriate security and access protocolsand relevant fee arrangements, consistent with normal mineral industry practices)
vi. Train database users for inputting, using, managing, updating and verifying data atdifferentlevels
a. Training for all members of staff working with theGDMISpreferably by a GIS expert and a geoscientist
b. Training for system administrator and Network administrator.
3.0 Invitation forExpression of Interest
TheMinistry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining now invites eligible Consulting Firms to indicate their interest in providing theservices.
Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualificationsand relevantexperience to undertake the assignment as follows:
The team leader must:
Possess aBSc/ MSc in Geosciences orrelated field.Be experienced geoscientist with a strong database and GISbackground; 3+ years of experience in heading the projects of similar nature and overall experience of 8yearsHave at least 5 years of experience in designing and developing databases software of similarnature; Have headed minimumthree end-to-end software development projects with similar level of intricacies.Have at least three years of experiencein undertaking similar assignments in the African region;
· Have a good command of written and spoken English.
4.0 The shortlistingcriteria
Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to provide the services throughprovision of thefollowing;
a) Brochures or any information giving overall outlook of the firm in terms of corebusiness and general capacity
b) Not less than 10 years in consultancy related to theassignment
c) Evidence of experience in similar conditions
d) Availability of appropriate skills among staff
5.0 SelectionCriteria
The Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Quality and Cost Based Selection Method set out inthe Consultant Guidelines.
6.0 Conflict ofInterest
The attention of interested consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selectionand Employment ofConsultants (under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants) by World Bank Borrowers January, 2011, setting forththe World Banks' policy onconflict of interest.
7.0 FurtherInformation
Further information can be obtained at the address below during working hours from 08 - 12 and 13 ? 16 hourslocal time (Monday to Friday) except National Public Holidays.
8.0 How toSubmit
Expression of Interest must be delivered in written form to the address in paragraph 10 below (in person orby email or by mail) by 31st October, 2014. Late bids will automatically be rejected.
The EOI must be clearly marked, "Expression of Interestfor Consultancy for the Design and Installation of Geological Data Management Information Systems for theMining Governance and Growth Support Project.''
9.0 Address for Clarification, further details and submission of theEOIs:
The Project Coordinator
Mining Governance and GrowthSupport Project
Attention: The ProcurementSpecialist
andrew.mopiha@mggsp.gov.mw
Telephone: +265 1 759 906 / +265 999 698 536
Fax; +265 1788689
Physical Address:
Mining Governance and GrowthSupport Project (MGGSP)
Ministry of NaturalResources, Energy and Mining
Area4
Next to ImmigrationDepartment
Opposite Plant and VehicleHire Organization (PVHO)
Lilongwe
Malawi
Postal Address:
Mining Governance and GrowthSupport Project (MGGSP)
Ministry of NaturalResources, Energy and Mining (MNREM)
Private Bag350
CapitalCity
Lilongwe3
Malawi
Telephone: + Tel. +265 1759906/07
Email: malawimining.growth@mggsp.gov.mw/ andrew.mopiha@mggsp.gov.mw
TheChairperson
(InternalProcurement Committee)
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY AND MINING (MNREM)

MW- Second AF to Ag SWAp Support Project - P148964

Expression Of Interest For Consultancy Services For The
Review, Design And Specification Of Permits Issuing Systemfor The Department Of Immigration
MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE
AGRICULTURE SECTORWIDE APPROACH SUPPORTPROJECT
MULTIDONOR TRUSTFUND
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR CONSULTANCYSERVICES FOR THE REVIEW,DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION OF PERMITS ISSUING SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENTOFIMMIGRATION
1. BACKGROUND
Agriculture is one of thekey priority areas identified in theMalawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS II) and the Economic Recovery Plan to ensure sustainable growth. The goal within theMGDS II is to increase agricultural productivity and diversification, thereby increasing the agriculture sector's contribution tosustainable economic growth. An efficient agricultural market is essential for the development of the agricultural sector.Byproviding outlets and incentives for increased production, the marketing system contributes greatly to the commercialization ofsubsistence farmers. Furthermore, the Doing Business environment within which agricultural markets operate has a fundamental effecton the functioning of the agricultural marketing system. Doing Business reforms can play an important role in making the marketingsystem more effective andefficient by removing unnecessary restrictions and by establishing a sound framework for commercialtransactions to reduce uncertainty in the market.
Recognising the importance of agriculture, the Government ofMalawi is implementing the Agricultural Sector Wide Approach (ASWAp). ASWAp is a single comprehensive programme and budgetframework for investments across the agriculture sector. The programme is implementedthrough the Agricultural Sector Wide Approach Support Project (ASWAp-SP), which is funded by several donors and developmentpartners who have established a Multi Donor Trust Fund (MTDF) through the World Bank. These donors include EU, Norway, DFID, IrishAid, FICA and USAID.
One of the focus areas ofthe programme is to improve theagricultural business enabling environment in support of agricultural diversification, a more market oriented agriculture andintegration into agricultural value chains and regional markets. Under the coordination of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, theproject is intended to finance consultancies and training required to facilitate legal and regulatory reforms and otheractivitiesaimed at improving the business environment and agricultural commercialization.
One of the important areas affecting the agribusinessenvironment and agricultural commercialization in Malawi is the lengthy and costly process of obtaining Business Residence Permits(BRPs) and Temporary Employment Permits (TEPs). Most foreign investors struggle to obtain BRPs and TEPs partly because there islittle automation in the system and the records are still manual. If Malawi is to attract foreign direct investment in theagricultural sector, especially in commercial farming and agricultural processing, there is need to improve and automate the permitissuance system. Improvement of the system will enable investors in the agricultural sector to settle in quickly and also to bringin expertise that is currently lacking in the sector.
In view of this ASWAP-SP is seeking the services of companyor group of consultants with expertskills in permits issuing and development to assist the Department ofImmigration (DOI) in thedevelopment and implementation of an automation program that will see the introduction of a computerized permits platform, aimed atimproving the Department's operations in the delivery of its permits responsibilities.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY /ASSIGNMENT
The general objective of the assignment is to help the officeof the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) undertake a comprehensive review of permits issuance processes and procedures with a view toimprove efficiency in the delivery of permits-processing services. The goal is toenable Malawi to have an efficient, effective and sustainable system in place for the issuance, processing, monitoring and controlof permits. It is expected that the accomplishment of this assignment will be guidedby the following outcomes:
? Reduction in the number of days to issue business residencepermits, temporary employment permits and permanentresidence permits through reducing time and cost of compliance with permitsprocessing procedures;
? Improvement in the efficiency of permits processing services through simplifying and streamliningprocedures for issuance and control of permits, and automating the immigration permit registryfunction; ideally making the process of issuance and monitoring more efficient and equitable;
3. NEED FORCONSULTANCY
In view of the above objectives and the impendingintroduction of an automated permits-processing system, there is need to prepare the DOI for the reforms and automation of thepermits-processing services in order to streamline the processes that clients or stakeholders must comply with when processing apermit.
The DOI is therefore seeking the services of consultants toprovide high quality and consistent support with the implementation and monitoring of the appropriate permits-issuingsolution. Therequirement is for a suitably qualified and experienced consulting firmwith expert skills in permits and development to capture and validate the data from manual files and records; and also to designand specify an integrated permits-issuing system.
Accordingly, the consultants will among other tasks berequired to undertake an institutional assessment of the immigration registry; design an appropriate registry model for Malawi;develop an appropriate institutional framework for delivery of functions of the immigration registry; digitize and automatetheimmigration registry; develop a plan for capacity building including training and a framework for testing the efficiency of theregistry as a means to determine future support needs.
The consultant must be well versed with data processing andvalidation, forms design and data entry, report generators and report writers as well as industry standardDatabase ManagementSystems (DBMS) preferably Microsoft SQL, with in-depth knowledge and experience in systems designing andspecification.
In order to achieve the objectives defined by the Governmentof Malawi regarding permits-processing services to make the DOI a successful operation, the consultants will primarily be requiredto review existing legislation that may need to be amended and propose such amendments as may be necessary; map existingrequirements and procedures needed to process a new BRP, TEP and PRP; develop a strategy to preserve existing data and records in areadily searchable database.
The consultants will be required to develop comprehensivedrafts of regulations and procedures needed for the operationalization of the immigration registry (permitssection); undertake aseries of consultations with stakeholders to discuss and comment on draft regulations and procedures. The consultantswill also beexpected to assist the DOI in undertaking in-depth review of its business processes relating to permits, the need for improvingthese business processes and the need for introducing the use of ICTinto the business process to improve effectiveness andefficiency; specifically to improve its operations in the delivery of permits-issuing services.
It is also expected that the consultants will providemanagement support to the DOI including inthe area of Information Communication Technology during the hardware and softwareimplementation phase. The outputs from this consultancy will be used in the second phase of the project and the consultants will beexpected to assist DOI in procuring, installing and developing the permits system network. It should be noted that the consultantwill be eligible to submit an expression of interest in the second phase ofthe project.
4. EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is now seeking expressionsof interests from suitably qualified consulting firms to carry out this assignment. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description ofsimilar assignments undertaken, experience in similar conditions, detailed staffing schedule and curriculum vitae of the proposedpersonnel). An estimated cost of the assignment is not required at this stage.
Interested consultants mayobtain further information and thefull Terms of Reference (ToRs) from address in 7 below from 08:00 to 16:30 hrs local time.
5. SELECTION OF THECONSULTANT
The consultants will be selected in accordance with Qualityand Cost Based Selection method (QCBS) and procedures set out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers 2011.
8. QUALIFICATIONS &EXPERIENCE
The assignment will require a firm or group of consultants,who should have knowledge in permits-processing systems and experience in automation of immigration registry functions. In addition, the consultants should have both knowledge of best practices ofpermits-processing systems in the developed world, and experience in implementing reforms in regional developingcountries.
In addition, the consultants should have the ability to workpatiently and effectively with public officials, and to draw on reform examples worldwide to persuade them of the benefits ofreform and how to mitigate risks, they should have strong analytical skills and ability to prioritize tasks to beaccomplished.
The core team must also demonstrate relevant experience indata processing as well as validationand should include at least the following:
? A Team Leader who must be a migration expert with over five (5)years experience in permits processing and an advanced degree in Business Administration or any relevant field from aninternationally recognised institution as well as possession of an international post graduate qualification in migration or anyother relevant qualification
? An automation practitioner with a degree in Computer Science orits equivalent from an internationally recognized university, at least five (5) years experience in projects involving informationsystems reforms, experience and knowledge of data base software systems and design will also berequired.
Specifically, the proposed core team musthave:
6.1 Expert knowledge and skills in permits-processing reforms & procedures
6.2 Good knowledge in regulations that govern issuance ofpermits
6.3 Detailed knowledge in international best practicesrelatingpermits
6.4 Good Knowledge and experience in forms design and practical data entry
6.5 Expert Knowledge with report generators and report writers
6.6 Ability to work with a team of people of various levels of computerproficiency
6.7 Proficiency with Relational Databases including Oracle, SQL Server, Microsoft SQL,and Microsoft Access. Proficiency with Microsoft SQL is key.
7. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFICE FOR SEEKING CLARIFICATIONS AND COLLECTION OFFULL TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Project Coordinator,ASWAP-SP
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Gemini House
PO Box 30366
Lilongwe 3
Malawi
Attention: Ms EstherMwimba
M: +265 1770244
Fax: +2651770680
E: esmwimba@yahoo.co.uk and copiedto
gkanthiti@gmail.com and
heltongondwe@yahoo.co.uk
8. SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Expressions of Interest clearly marked "EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE REVIEW, DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION OF PERMITS ISSUING SYSTEM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OFIMMIGRATION", must be delivered or e-mailed to the Ministryof Industry and Trade at the address indicated below by 4.00 p.m. local time on Monday 27thApril, 2015.
The Chairperson
Internal Procurement Committee
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Gemini House
PO Box 30366
Lilongwe 3
Malawi
Attention: The ProcurementOfficer
Or
Email: esmwimba@yahoo.co.uk and copiedto
gkanthiti@gmail.com and
heltongondwe@yahoo.co.uk

Financial Sector Technical Assistance - P122616

To Design A Transaction Processing Hub For The Microfinance
And Financial Cooperatives Industry In Malawi
RESERVEBANK OF MALAWI
FINANCIAL SECTOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT
(FSTAP)
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OFINTEREST
(CONSULTING FIRM)
Country: Malawi
Name of Project: Financial Sector Technical Assistance Project (FSTAP)
Consulting Services: To Design a Transaction Processing Hub for the Microfinance and Financial Cooperatives Industry in Malawi
Credit No. 4897 Mw
Project ID No. P122616
Date of Issue: 4th May, 2015
The Government of the Republic of Malawi has receivedfinancing from the World Bank toward the cost of the FinancialTechnical Assistance Project (FSTAP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this credit towards eligible costs for therecruitment of a consulting firm to design aTransaction Processing Hub for the Microfinance and Financial Cooperatives Industry in Malawi
1. Background
The Government of Malawi recognizes the vital role that the microfinance sectorplays in the social economic development of the Country. Noting that the formal financial sector in Malawi remains small and thatoutreach remains concentrated to a narrow client base, Government has, through the Reserve Bank of Malawi taken a leading role inthe development of the infrastructure, a policy and institutional framework aimed at growing the financial sector's capacity toincrease outreach.
A key intervention in these reforms is the implementation of the five-year FinancialSector Technical Assistance Project (FSTAP) which thegovernment is financing with credit from the International DevelopmentAssociation (IDA) of the World Bank implemented by the Reserve Bank of Malawi. The project aims at increasing access to finance forthe currently unbanked but bankable population of Malawi.
The Malawi Microfinance and Financial Cooperatives sector comprises 10 non-deposittaking microfinance institutions, 19 of credit only agencies concentrated in specific urban areas and some 46 savings and creditcooperatives operating under the Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCCO). In addition, a number of deposit takingmicrofinance institutions are expected to be licensed in the coming 12 month period. The operators in the industry process smallbut numerous financial transactions using manual or rudimentary processing mechanisms as most cannot afford the initial capitalcost of setting up sophisticated management information systems (MIS) and the personnelthat are qualified enough to manage robust systems. It is for thisreason that one of the key interventions envisaged under FSTAP is the establishment and operation of a microfinance transactionprocessing hub(the Hub) that will enable the sector share interoperable electronic data processing infrastructure for their MISrequirements. The Hub will help institutions reduce operating costs, streamline lending processes, scale up rapidly and integratewith other entities such as: creditbureaus, other financial institutions, regulators and international payment networks. It willreduce related infrastructure costs, facilitate timely and accurate reporting to the regulator, apex bodies, financiers and otherstakeholders and data security will be guaranteed.
The effective design, development and implementation of an efficienthub willcomprise investment in hardware, software and integration/interface to deliver a robust (resilient and high availabilityinfrastructure) platform that allows a consortium of MFIs and financial cooperatives to share transaction processing infrastructure(payment system connectivity, core banking application, mobile-banking integration, account opening, loan disbursements, paymentprocessing, customer acquisition, customer complaints logging, compliance and reporting) in accordance with set governance rulesand regulations; Audit trail with time stamps & access control; integrated with analytical & reporting tools; compliantwith open system concepts; Supports multi channels (branch and branchless banking delivery channels).
The consulting firm will carry out all tasks outlined in this terms of reference, aswell as any other related tasks that may be required to achieve the objectives of this consultancy.
2. Objectives of theassignment
The objectives of this assignment are as follows:
· To assess management informationsystem needs of MFIs and Financial Cooperatives.
· To design a viable transactionprocessing hub that would improve, among other things, the processing efficiency of small-value transactions, microfinancecore-banking and mobile phone based applications while allowing for down streaming of services such as credit referencing servicesand interconnection to national switch.
3. Scope of work
The scope will include:
1. Assess MFIs and Financial Cooperatives to determine participants, collaboration andbusiness model for a transaction processing hub;
2. Analyze and map appropriate structures to support the integration of the transactionprocessing hub to support microfinance core banking applications;
3. Develop a business model/ business plan for the hub that will help decide on the form thehub should take for it to be operationally sustainable and viable;
4. Design the processing hub;
5. Develop an implementation plan and bid documentation.
Details of the tasks and their related activities to be conducted are asfollows;
Part 1 ?Assessment of MIS Processing Needs and Design of an Appropriate Hub for theMicrofinance Sector in Malawi
In thisphase the firm will undertake the following tasks:
TASK 1: PREPARATORY AND BACKGROUND RESEARCH
This taskwill require the consulting firm to:
i. Conduct background research of the sector which includes MFIs and SACCOs to understand itslandscape;
ii. Meet with beneficiary MFIs and financial cooperatives to:
a. understand the sector expectations and advise on the overall implementation of the Hub project, and
b. gain an appreciation of technical and business requirements of the processing hub;
iii. Survey the management information systems currently in use in the sector, MIS requirements, HR support, connectivityissues, etc;
iv. Conduct an analysis of the sector's management Information capacity needs and the role of a multi-usertransaction processing hub in meeting such needs;
v. Identify options available to meet current and future needs of thesector; and
vi. Assess the operational environments and how these will need to adapt to the new Hub arrangements.
vii. Supportefforts already underway to establish and formalize project management structures for the initiative that includes the involvementof executive-level officials at both RBM and beneficiary institutions in order to strengthen outcomes, address expectedimplementation obstacles, speeding-up and securing authority and approvals needed to progress the initiative at each successivephase
Deliverable 1: Needs/RequirementAssessment document
TASK 2: DEVELOP FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS, ARCHITECTURE AND BUSINESS MODELFOR THE HUB
This taskwill require the consulting firm to:
i. Analyze the findings from Task 1 above and develop specifications regardingthe architecture and design of the hub;
ii. Developprecise estimates of hub design, equipment needs and capacity,resulting capital expenditure and operating costs needed for the infrastructure to meet the identified present and future needs ofthe sector;
iii. Create adetailed operational model of the hub including management structure, security details of the platform needed. The model shallclearly provide:
a) a Technological Definition of theappropriate hub;
b) an analysis of the technological environment available and required for the hub;
c) a definition of the skills and knowledge sets required for the successful implementation of the hub;
d) essential technical conditions and options for the project; an outline of Project Metrics,performance, benchmarks to be used; and,
e) Technological Standards to be followed.
iv. Design anddevelop a business model that takes into consideration the rapid and continuing technological evolution and convergence in thecommunications sector and the microfinance sector as well as its impact on the costs, pricing, and development of services. Thismodel should be scalable, expandable and include mechanisms that make it possible to plan for technological changeat least 10 yearsinto the future, so that the investment in the hub is made without fear of being trapped into a situation of sunk costs despite thefact that technological advances, paradigm shifts cannot beaccurately projected;
v. Developminimum standards to connect with existing/running MIS of other institutions as well as ability to facilitate reporting toRegistrar, Credit Reference Bureau; and linkage to National Switch, Automated Transfer System (ATS)and Telecommunication ServiceProviders; and
vi. Prepare apresentation on the needs identified and the model design recommended for the appreciation of the Steering Committee andStakeholders.
Deliverable 2: Design, TechnologyDefinitions, Business Model of the Hub & Presentation onthe same
Part 2: Demonstration of the Economic, Operational and Financial Viability ofthe Hub
In this phase, the firm will undertake the following tasks:
TASK 1: ECONOMIC AND FINANCIALANALYSIS OF THE HUB
This task will require the consultingfirm:
i. Prepare estimates of rates of return for the hub's initial investment costs,including the embedded data handling, transmission, control, storage and services housing as well as conducting scenario analysisoftrends, project risks and total cost;
ii. Analyzethe budgetary and financial impacts of the Project and estimatinginvestment requirements (including import content) of the project over the first five years of operations;
iii. Quantify the amount of counterpart funds needed to be contributed by theproject as wellas by players (users) of the hub;
iv. Assess all aspects of project feasibility (technical, economic, financial, political, legal and organizational) and theirinterrelations;
v. Prepare economic scenarios, risk analysis, rate return analysis, analysis oftotal cost of operation for the first five years of operations;
vi. Quantify the economic development benefits to the sector and the country that would arisefrom the project;and
vii. Identify and assess the developmental outcomes that would be expected if the Project is implemented in accordance with therecommendations of the Study. The analysis of potential developmental benefits should be as concrete and detailed as possible andinclude at least one specific example of developmental impact for each area highlighted.
Deliverable 3: Report oneconomicoperational and financial viability of the Hub
TASK 2: ORGANIZATIONALISSUES
This task will require the consulting firm to:
i. Design and propose the organizational structure and requirements that wouldmeet the needs of the project as an entity.
ii. Identify and prioritize corporate governance issues that are necessary andcritical to support the business plan of the hub.
iii. Define the qualifications of the personnel needed to carry out theproject.
iv. Define the respective roles and relationships of the staff, user institutions, RBM, etc
v. Outline key success factors and foreseeable, barriers to success, bothexternal and internal
Deliverable 4: Organizationalstructure, governance structure and human resources plan
TASK 3: IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING AND BID DOCUMENTPREPARATION
Thistask will require the consulting firm to:
i. Assess and determine the critical success factors for the implementation of the hub
ii. Define successful change management process(es) for thesector;
iii. prepare a bidding document that cover all of the goods and services neededforproject implementation.; and,
iv. Develop a timetable for project implementation including a timeline forpublicizing the bids and for awarding the contract(s) for the goodsand services required in line with World Bankprocedures.
Deliverable 5: Implementationplan and bidding documents, ready for publication.
TASK 4: PREPARATION, PRESENTATIONAND APPROVAL FOR PUBLICATION OF A FINAL REPORT
Upon concluding the preparation and publishingof the project bidding documents, the firm, while stillin Malawi will formally present the findings and recommendations and a nearfinal version of the report to the Reserve Bank of Malawi, MAMN, MUSCCO and the project Steering Committee. The firm will, at thispresentation, answer questions and take comments and suggestions based on the presentation and the draft Final Report providedhowever that the draft report shall be circulated to the stakeholders, one week before the date of thepresentation.
After the Presentation, the contractor willmake the final changes suggested by the Steering Committeeand submit the Final Report to the Reserve Bank of Malawi throughtheSteering Committee. The Contractor shall ensure that the Final Reportis a substantive and comprehensive report of all of thework performed in accordance with these Terms of Reference for Phase II, including all deliverables and shall cover and synthesizethe findings of all the preceding tasks, information, recommendations and guidelines. The report shall be delivered in soft copy (Microsoft word document and pdf) andduly signed three hard copies.
Deliverable 6: Final Report andPresentation Notes:
4. Expected outputs/ Summary of Deliverables
4.1 Deliverable 1: Inceptionreport
4.2 Deliverable 2: Needs/Requirement Assessmentdocument.
4.3 Deliverable 3: Design, Technology Definitions,Business Model of the Hub & presentation on the same
4.4 Deliverable 4: Report on economic, operationaland financial viability
4.5 Deliverable 5: Organizational structure,governance structure and Human Resources Plan
4.6 Deliverable 6: Implementation plan and biddingdocuments, ready for
publication.
4.7 Deliverable 7: Final Report and PresentationNotes.
5. Reporting
The consulting firm shall interact and communicateas need arises, render services and produce the deliverables stipulatedabove under the general technical direction of the DirectorMicrofinance and Capital Markets of Reserve Bank of Malawi who will work closely with Director, National Payments.The reports shall bedelivered in bothhard and soft copies and duly signed.
6. Key staff and Qualifications
Interested consulting firms should provide information demonstrating that they have the required combination ofqualifications and relevant experience in conducting a consultancy of this nature.
Team members should include:
· Team Leader: Business and processanalysis/software developer and must hold a recognized university degree in a related field, preferable master's degree from recognized university in informationtechnology/computer science/and business information systems. He should have at least fiveyears' experience in business processes, designing and systems development. Experience in similar assignment elsewhere will be an addedadvantage
· Business/Financial Analyst, musthold a recognized university degree in a related technical field, preferably to master's degree level infinance/banking/economics/business administration
Allmembers of the team must have no less than five years of work experience in business analysis, business development, anddevelopment of technical and functional requirements.
7. Contract duration
Theassignment is for a maximum of 3 calendar months from the date of signing the contract.
8. Selection of Consultant
The consultant firm will be selected in accordance with Quality and Cost BasedSelection (QCBS) procedures set out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, of January, 2011revised in 2014. Furtherinformation can be obtained at the address below during office hours (8.00 hours to 16.00 hours Malawi time).
9. Submission of Expressions of Interest
Interested consulting firms must provideinformation indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (i.e. brochures, description of similar assignments,experience in similar conditions etc.).
Expressions of interest must be delivered to the addressbelow by Friday, 22nd April2015.
The Project Manager
Financial Sector Technical Assistance Project (FSTAP)
Reserve Bank of Malawi
P.O. Box 30063.
Lilongwe3, Malawi.
Tel: +265 1770 600/924
FAX: (265) 1 773 752
E-mail: josmilner@fstap.org and copy stsokonombwe@fstap.org

Formulation of Programme Framework for Integrated Rural Development and Decentralization

n order to foster synergies between decentralization, and integrated rural development, the United Nations System in collaboration with the Government of Malawi plan to develop a programmme framework that aims at prioritizing specific interventions to strengthen local governance, decentralization, and promote integrated rural development.
Having turned 50 years in 2014, the prognosis for Malawi’s prospects to achieve sustainable rural transformation faces a myriad of challenges in view of the severity of poverty. There is recognition that Malawi should have been more advanced in the development spectrum with better human development indicators. However the situation is different and dire. About 85 percent of the population live in the rural areas subsisting on small scale farming. The Integrated Household Survey 2010 indicates that the national poverty rate is currently at 50.7 percent having dropped from 52.4 percent in 2005. About 25 percent of the population is ultra-poor and income inequality according to the Gini-Coefficient has moved from 0.39 to 0.45 in the same period. About 17 percent of the population in urban areas is living in poverty compared to 57 percent of the rural poor population. This scenario underscores the rationale for interventions to improve rural livelihoods.
Malawi’s post 2015 consultations on the “future that we want” identified governance and accountability as a priority development intervention area. The report identifies weak state of local governance and decentralization manifested by lack of fiscal and human resource devolution. The report also notes politicization and weak coordination of development agenda leading to non-continuity of initiatives and policy reversal and abandonment. The second phase of post-2015 consultation identified critical elements that would allow successful implementation of post 2015 development agenda at local level. These included the need to improve: institutional roles and functions; coordination, partnerships and inclusion; monitoring and evaluation; development effectiveness; and sustainability of support.
The policy environment is conducive to the delivery of rural development services. The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) [2011 to 2016] treats IRD as one of the priority areas. The objective of Integrated Rural Development being to transform rural areas into socially, politically and economically viable enclaves that contribute positively to the reduction of poverty and overall sustainable development in Malawi.
Rural development as a policy objective has been pursed for a long time. The advent of multiparty democracy in 1994 saw Malawi adopting a new constitution in 1995 which provides for good governance and development as rights. It further provides for a basis for decentralisation by prescribing powers and functions of democratically elected local governments. The government therefore adopted a National Decentralisation Policy and a new Local Government Act (1998) based on the Constitution. The Policy and the Act provided for the establishment of Local Governments as the key institutions that would deliver social and economic services more efficiently at local level. Following the enactment of the Local Government Act, 1998 and its revision in 2010, Local Government Elections were held in 2000 and later in 2014, ushering in Councillors as political heads of Councils and providing a platform for inclusive governance and decision making.
However, implementation of the National Decentralisation Policy was planned to cover a period of ten years in two phases. The first phase was for a period of four years commencing in the 2000/2001 fiscal year and ending in the 2003/2004 financial year. The Government intended that the first phase, preceded by a one-year crash programme, be focused on building capacity at the centre and the Local Governments for the smooth take off of the policy implementation process.
The second phase planned for the 2005-2009 period aimed at deepening the decentralisation process at the district and village levels and improving the management and service delivery capacities of Local Governments. This phase was designated in the initial National Decentralisation Programme II [2005-2009]. However, implementation of the NDP II did not succeed due to limited commitment of donors due to Government failure to conduct Local Government Elections in 2010.
As a follow-up to the tri-partite elections conducted in 2014 which ushered local councillors, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MOLGRD) with support from UNDP embarked on an evaluation of the NDPII with the aim of assessing the extent to which NDP II outputs and results were achieved through the implementation of its sub programmes. The evaluation also sought to identify key implementation challenges and successes in order to generate lessons that would inform the design and implementation of subsequent decentralisation programmes. The findings, lessons learnt and recommendations will assist the government and its development partners in determining the new direction for the decentralisation process and in designing the programme framework on integrated rural development and decentralization.
Currently, delivery of rural development programmes and projects is fragmented. Therefore, in order to ensure effective coordination of rural development initiatives in the country, the Ministry has established an IRD and Decentralization Sector Working Group (SWG), which brings together various actors in rural development and decentralization. The Ministry has formulated a National Integrated Rural Development Strategy (IRDS), which seeks to facilitate complementarity of the various rural development interventions in order to maximize benefits by harnessing synergies among the various programmes and projects implemented in rural areas. Gender and other cross-cutting issues (ie. HIV and AIDS, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resource Management, Disability) have been mainstreamed in the strategy. The strategy will be used to implement the MGDS priority areas for integrated rural development and decentralization.
A consultancy is therefore being sought to formulate a National Programme Framework on IRD and Decentralization. The Framework is expected to provide programming details for IRD and Decentralization, including implementation arrangements pertaining to specific intervention areas.

MW Skills Development Project - P131660

Consultancy For Environmental And Social Impact Assessment
NationalCouncil for Higher Education MalawiGovernment
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (SDP)
REQUEST FOREXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTINGSERVICES ? INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)
Country : Malawi
Name ofProject : SKILLSDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
AssignmentTitle : CONSULTANCY FORENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTASSESSMENT
ReferenceNumber : NCHE/SDP/ESIA/01/0515
IssueDate :29th May, 2015
ClosingDate : 16th June, 2015
1.0 INTRODUCTION
TheNational Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is coordinating aGovernment of Malawi Skills Development Project (SDP) with support from theWorld Bank. The SDP is implemented in selected public institutions (ChancellorCollege, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MzuzuUniversity and Polytechnic) and Technical, Entrepreneurship and VocationalEducation and Training Agency (TEVETA). The proposed project aims at developingthe skillsneeded for improving employment outcomes and increasing productivity amongyouth and underserved populations by increasing access, enhancing marketrelevance, and increasing the results orientation of the participatinginstitutions. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen capacitiesof the Ministryof Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), National Council for HigherEducation (NCHE), Technical, Entrepreneurship and Vocational Education andTraining Authority (TEVETA) and participating institutions for policydevelopment, programme planning and implementation.
In line with the National EducationSector Policy,the participating institutions in this project will expand equitable access to educationin their programmes under the SDP:
A recent study on higher educationinMalawi identified limited and dilapidated infrastructure as a constraint toexpansion of equitable access and improvement of market relevance in theseinstitutions. Consequently, these institutions have submitted improvement plansas part of the proposed SDP detailing their infrastructure needs, which take upa large share of the resources allocated under the project. Given thelargeinvestment in the proposed infrastructure, there is need to ensure that theinfrastructure in the improvement plans is optimum and relevant for thedelivery of the proposed programmes.
Initial appraisal of the project under World Bank Safeguards Policieshas indicated potential negative environmental and social impacts andacategory B rating; requiringthe development of Environment and Social Management Plans (ESMP) andResettlement Action Plans (RAP), also required by the Government of Malawi's EnvironmentalManagement Act (1996) and Environmental Social Impact Assessment Guidelines(1997).
While most of the SDP ParticipatingInstitutionshave finalised the definition of scope of infrastructure constructionandrehabilitation works, some sites have yet to be identified and alternate sitesmight be under consideration for some of the proposed activities.
In accordance with the World Bank'sOperational Policy OP 4.01 (Environment Assessment) and Malawi's EnvironmentManagement Act (60:02), detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment(EIA) reports have to be prepared for the infrastructure development andrehabilitation works in all of the proposed sites. The report will detail mainpotential impacts and mitigation measures to be undertaken prior to and duringconstruction phase of the project.
In order to achieve this, SDPthrough NCHEseeks the services of an individual consultant to work closely with the participatinginstitutions to carry out Environmental and Social Impact Assessmentsin theseinstitutions.
2.0 SCOPE OF WORK
An Environmental and Social Management Framework has beenprepared toguide on environmental screening and management of all sub-projects under SDP.Therein, it is indicated that the project has triggered the followingWorld Bank's Operational Policies:
OP 4.01Environmental Assessment OP 4.12Involuntary Resettlement OP 4.11Physical Cultural Properties
Recent screening of the potentialsites has indicated that some of the construction work is likely to take placeon forested land; the consultant will therefore need to conduct furtherscreening to confirm and document the need for triggering OP 4.36 on Forests.
In the process of carrying outenvironmentalassessment studies, the consultant should also make due considerationofrelevant Malawi Environmental policies, laws, guidelines, procedures andstandards for implementation of public sector projects in this category.
The scope of work to prepare thestudy would involve: (i) baseline studies, through desk review of relevantdocuments available in the country and field studies; (ii) assessmentanddetermination of impacts (to include impact identification, prediction, evaluationand interpretation); and (iii) development of Environmental and SocialManagement for each sub-project for direct project impacts, includingmitigation measures, capacity and awareness building requirements to implementthose measures, and monitoring.
3.0 Objectives
Theoverall objective of the consultancy is to develop anEnvironmental and Social Impact Management and Resettlement Plans foreachsub-project of SDP.
The expected outputs of theassignment are:
i. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report thatincludes an Environmental and Social Management Plan and an Environmental andSocial Monitoring Plan
ii. ResettlementAction Plan.
4.0 Tasks to be carried out
The consultant will carry out the following:
i. Collect,analyse and present baseline information on the environmental characteristicsof the existing situation in the proposed project sites. Given that amajorityof sites will be within the confines of pre-selected institutions, thedescription and analysis should include:
· Physical environment, which includes watercourses, forested areas,trees, etc.
· Social environment, includingpopulation census and socio-economicactivitieson proposed sites that are likely to be affected during the project, and where appropriateidentify areas of cultural significance, community structures, genderandmembers of vulnerable groups' dynamics, and etc.
ii. Identifyand describe all pertinent legislation, regulations and standards governing theenvironmental quality, solid and liquid waste management, health and safety.
iii. Identifypotential environmental impacts that could result from the project. Describeand analyse all significant changes expected due to the proposed projectsfocusing on both negative and positive impacts. The impacts include environmental,and social impacts which could both be positive or negative.
iv. Analyse anddescribe occupational and health concerns likely toarise as a result of construction and operations of the proposed activities.
v. Undertake a full public participationand consultations on the positive and negative impacts of the projectamongstthe key stakeholders at District Council level; communities includingparent-teachersassociations, students associations, teachers unions, and other relevant stakeholders. Organise meetings and forumsfor public participation to enable interested and affected parties topresenttheir concerns and opinions regarding the proposed project.
a. Propose feasiblemitigation measures for the identified negative environmentaland social impacts that could result from the proposed project activities.
b. DevelopEnvironmental andSocial Management Plans (ESMP) that willinclude those mitigation measures along with monitoring and institutionalmeasures to eliminate, minimize or reduce to acceptable levels the adverse socialand environmental impacts that could minimize the socio-economic benefits ofthe proposed activities. Provide a cost outlay for the proposed measures aswell as their institutional and financial support mechanisms.
c. Develop anEnvironmental and Social Monitoring Plan (ESMP) whichshall provide specific descriptions and technical details of monitoringmeasures, including parameters to be measured, methods to be applied,andsampling locations, frequency of measurements or data collection, anddefinitions of thresh-holds that will signal the need for corrective actions. TheMonitoring Plan will also describe the monitoring and reporting procedures aswell as the timeframes and implementation mechanisms and provide details of thestaffing requirement and cost outlays for the implementation of the plan.
d. Prepareappropriate Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) in line withthe World Bank policy framework guidelines on Involuntary Resettlement (OP4.12), the Environmental Management Act (1996) and other the legal requirementsof the country.
5.0Report reviews
NCHE will establish a ReviewCommittee comprising officials (2 from NCHE, 1 from MoEST and 1 from each participatinginstitution) to guide the consultant. The consultant will produce a series ofreports in English during his/her assignment. The reports will be submitted intriplicate to the Review Committee through the SDP Project Coordinator at NCHEaccording to the following deliverables.
6.0 Deliverablesof the Consultancy
Deliverables will besubmitted to NCHE for reviewandapproval through the Skill Development Project Coordinator.
The followingdeliverables will be expected from the assignment:
#
Deliverable
TimePeriod
Three (3) hard copies of an inceptionreport that clearly illustrates how the assignment shall be executed,including proposed time-lines and milestones.
1 week after contractsigning
Three (3) hard copiesofEnvironmental and Social Impact Assessment Report that includes anEnvironmental and Social Management Plan and an Environmental and Social MonitoringPlan as one document for each Participating Institution.
2 weeks afterpresentation of Inception Report.
Three (3) hard copies of Resettlement Action Plans for eachParticipating Institution;
1 week aftersubmission of the above reports.
Meetings with the institutions to review, deliberate, vet andadopt the above reports.
1 week after thesubmission of the above reports.
Final report to NCHE
1 week afterworkshop has been conducted.
7.0 Reporting Mechanism
The Consultant will enter into a contract with NCHE andwill report to the SDP Coordinator at NCHE during the entire period of thecontract.
8.0 Timeframefor the Consultancy
Duration of thisassignment is 2 months from the date of signing the contract.
9.0 IndicativePaymentTerm
The Payment schedule is as follow:
#
Deliverable
Amount
Signing of the contract
10% ofcontracted amount
Three (3) hard copies of an inceptionreport that clearly illustrates how the assignment shall be executed,including proposed time-lines and milestones.
20%of contracted amount
Three (3) hard copies of Environmental and Social Impact AssessmentReport that includes anEnvironmental and Social Management Plan and an Environmental and Social MonitoringPlan as one document for each Participating Institution.
20%of contracted amount
Three (3) hard copiesof Resettlement Action Plans for each ParticipatingInstitution;
20%of contracted amount
Meetings with theinstitutions to review, deliberate, vet and adopt the above reports.
20%of contracted amount
Finalreport to NCHE
10%of contracted amount
10.0Qualifications
The desired person should have:
i. A Master's degree or its equivalent in EnvironmentalStudies, Physical Planning, Architectural Studies or any related field;
Experience
i. Have aminimum of 5 years working experience inrelated consultancies;
ii. Demonstrate expertise and practical knowledge ofEnvironmental and Social Impact needs assessment; and
iii. Demonstrate excellence in written and spokenEnglish.
11.0 Location of Assignment
The consultancy is based at NCHE Secretariat inLilongwe.
12.0 Conflict ofInterest
The attention of interested Consultants is drawnto paragraph 1.9 of the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants[under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants] by World Bank Borrowers January,2011. ("Consultant Guidelines"), settingforth the World Bank's policy on conflict of interest.
13.0 SelectionCriteria
A Consultant will be selected inaccordance with the Individual Consultants Selection (IC) method set out in theConsultant Guidelines.
14.0 Furtherinformation
Further information can be obtained attheaddress below at paragraph (12) during office hours from 8.00 to 12.00; 13.00to 16.00 hours local time (Monday to Friday, except national public holidays).
15.0 Submission
Expressions of interest must bedelivered in a written form to the address below at paragraph (16) (in person,or by mail, or by e-mail) by16thJune ,2015. Late EOIs willbe rejected. The EOIs must be clearlymarked "Expression of Interest forIndividual Consultant on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment." Applicationsshould enclose detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), plus names of 3 (three)traceable referees.
16.0 Address for the Clarification,further detailsand submission of the EOIs:
The SDP Project Coordinator, (Attn: The ProcurementSpecialist)
Skills Development Project (SDP),
Physical Address:
NationalCouncil for Higher Education,
HBHouse, Block A
AlongPaul Kagame Road, Next to Chipiku Plus,
Postal Address:
Private Bag B371,
Lilongwe3,
Malawi.
Phone : +265 01 755 884
Email : rchinula@nche.ac.mw
:rchinula@gmail.com
: fmazaza@nche.ac.mw
:fynessmazaza@yahoo.co.uk

CONDUCT AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (PFM) SYSTEM IN MALAWI - HACT Macro Assessment

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
SELECTION OF A CONSULTING FIRM TO UNDERTAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (PFM) SYSTEM IN MALAWI
PROCUREMENT REF: UNDP/MWI10/RFP/007/2015
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 56/201 on the triennial policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system, the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) framework was first adopted in 2005 by UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA. In Malawi, HACT has been implemented since 1 January 2008 and is coordinated by the HACT Working Group representing 7 UN Agencies namely: FAO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP and UNW. The HACT framework represents a common operational (harmonized) framework for transferring cash to government and non‑governmental Implementing Partners (IPs), irrespective of whether these partners work with one or multiple United Nation agencies. The objective of the HACT framework is to support a closer alignment of development aid with national priorities and to strengthen national capacities for management and accountability, with the ultimate objective of gradually shifting to national systems. It is understood that ‘harmonized’ in the context of the HACT framework refers to agencies implementing a common operational framework using the same, consistent, standardized approach and tools.
To ensure adequate awareness of the Public Financial Management (PFM) environment within which agencies provide cash transfers to IPs, a desk review of assessments of the PFM system will be conducted. In the HACT framework PFM is broadly defined to include a range of considerations for operating in the country. It is not limited solely to the financial environment but also includes national procurement capacity, exchange rate volatility, presence of informal/black markets, etc. This assessment is called a macro assessment.
OVERALL CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVE
The two primary outputs of the macro assessment are:
An outline of the risks related to use of the PFM for cash transfers within the country by governmental IPs, as well as for non-governmental IPs; and
A determination on whether the government’s supreme audit institution (SAI) has the capacity to undertake scheduled and special audits of government IPs.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested consultancy firms should access the detailed RFP including Terms of Reference
Either: via UNDP website under this link; http://www.ungm.org/tender notices
Or E-mail request to: procurement.mw@undp.org.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
Proposals can also be submitted online on procurement.mw@undp.org.
The proposal submission deadline shall be July, 1st 2015, Time: 1200HRS

Formulation of Programme Framework for Integrated Rural Development (IRD) and Decentralization

In order to foster synergies between decentralization, and integrated rural development, the United Nations System in collaboration with the Government of Malawi plan to develop a programmme framework that aims at prioritizing specific interventions to strengthen local governance, decentralization, and promote integrated rural development.
Having turned 50 years in 2014, the prognosis for Malawi’s prospects to achieve sustainable rural transformation faces a myriad of challenges in view of the severity of poverty. There is recognition that Malawi should have been more advanced in the development spectrum with better human development indicators. However the situation is different and dire. About 85 percent of the population live in the rural areas subsisting on small scale farming. The Integrated Household Survey 2010 indicates that the national poverty rate is currently at 50.7 percent having dropped from 52.4 percent in 2005. About 25 percent of the population is ultra-poor and income inequality according to the Gini-Coefficient has moved from 0.39 to 0.45 in the same period. About 17 percent of the population in urban areas is living in poverty compared to 57 percent of the rural poor population. This scenario underscores the rationale for interventions to improve rural livelihoods.
Malawi’s post 2015 consultations on the “future that we want” identified governance and accountability as a priority development intervention area. The report identifies weak state of local governance and decentralization manifested by lack of fiscal and human resource devolution. The report also notes politicization and weak coordination of development agenda leading to non-continuity of initiatives and policy reversal and abandonment. The second phase of post-2015 consultation identified critical elements that would allow successful implementation of post 2015 development agenda at local level. These included the need to improve: institutional roles and functions; coordination, partnerships and inclusion; monitoring and evaluation; development effectiveness; and sustainability of support.
The policy environment is conducive to the delivery of rural development services. The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) [2011 to 2016] treats IRD as one of the priority areas. The objective of Integrated Rural Development being to transform rural areas into socially, politically and economically viable enclaves that contribute positively to the reduction of poverty and overall sustainable development in Malawi.
Rural development as a policy objective has been pursed for a long time. The advent of multiparty democracy in 1994 saw Malawi adopting a new constitution in 1995 which provides for good governance and development as rights. It further provides for a basis for decentralisation by prescribing powers and functions of democratically elected local governments. The government therefore adopted a National Decentralisation Policy and a new Local Government Act (1998) based on the Constitution. The Policy and the Act provided for the establishment of Local Governments as the key institutions that would deliver social and economic services more efficiently at local level. Following the enactment of the Local Government Act, 1998 and its revision in 2010, Local Government Elections were held in 2000 and later in 2014, ushering in Councillors as political heads of Councils and providing a platform for inclusive governance and decision making.
However, implementation of the National Decentralisation Policy was planned to cover a period of ten years in two phases. The first phase was for a period of four years commencing in the 2000/2001 fiscal year and ending in the 2003/2004 financial year. The Government intended that the first phase, preceded by a one-year crash programme, be focused on building capacity at the centre and the Local Governments for the smooth take off of the policy implementation process.
The second phase planned for the 2005-2009 period aimed at deepening the decentralisation process at the district and village levels and improving the management and service delivery capacities of Local Governments. This phase was designated in the initial National Decentralisation Programme II [2005-2009]. However, implementation of the NDP II did not succeed due to limited commitment of donors due to Government failure to conduct Local Government Elections in 2010.
As a follow-up to the tri-partite elections conducted in 2014 which ushered local councillors, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MOLGRD) with support from UNDP embarked on an evaluation of the NDPII with the aim of assessing the extent to which NDP II outputs and results were achieved through the implementation of its sub programmes. The evaluation also sought to identify key implementation challenges and successes in order to generate lessons that would inform the design and implementation of subsequent decentralisation programmes. The findings, lessons learnt and recommendations will assist the government and its development partners in determining the new direction for the decentralisation process and in designing the programme framework on integrated rural development and decentralization.
Currently, delivery of rural development programmes and projects is fragmented. Therefore, in order to ensure effective coordination of rural development initiatives in the country, the Ministry has established an IRD and Decentralization Sector Working Group (SWG), which brings together various actors in rural development and decentralization. The Ministry has formulated a National Integrated Rural Development Strategy (IRDS), which seeks to facilitate complementarity of the various rural development interventions in order to maximize benefits by harnessing synergies among the various programmes and projects implemented in rural areas. Gender and other cross-cutting issues (ie. HIV and AIDS, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resource Management, Disability) have been mainstreamed in the strategy. The strategy will be used to implement the MGDS priority areas for integrated rural development and decentralization.
A consultancy is therefore being sought to formulate a National Programme Framework on IRD and Decentralization. The Framework is expected to provide programming details for IRD and Decentralization, including implementation arrangements pertaining to specific intervention areas.

Formulation of Programme Framework for Integrated Rural Development (IRD) and Decentralization

In order to foster synergies between decentralization, and integrated rural development, the United Nations System in collaboration with the Government of Malawi plan to develop a programmme framework that aims at prioritizing specific interventions to strengthen local governance, decentralization, and promote integrated rural development.
Having turned 50 years in 2014, the prognosis for Malawi’s prospects to achieve sustainable rural transformation faces a myriad of challenges in view of the severity of poverty. There is recognition that Malawi should have been more advanced in the development spectrum with better human development indicators. However the situation is different and dire. About 85 percent of the population live in the rural areas subsisting on small scale farming. The Integrated Household Survey 2010 indicates that the national poverty rate is currently at 50.7 percent having dropped from 52.4 percent in 2005. About 25 percent of the population is ultra-poor and income inequality according to the Gini-Coefficient has moved from 0.39 to 0.45 in the same period. About 17 percent of the population in urban areas is living in poverty compared to 57 percent of the rural poor population. This scenario underscores the rationale for interventions to improve rural livelihoods.
Malawi’s post 2015 consultations on the “future that we want” identified governance and accountability as a priority development intervention area. The report identifies weak state of local governance and decentralization manifested by lack of fiscal and human resource devolution. The report also notes politicization and weak coordination of development agenda leading to non-continuity of initiatives and policy reversal and abandonment. The second phase of post-2015 consultation identified critical elements that would allow successful implementation of post 2015 development agenda at local level. These included the need to improve: institutional roles and functions; coordination, partnerships and inclusion; monitoring and evaluation; development effectiveness; and sustainability of support.
The policy environment is conducive to the delivery of rural development services. The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) [2011 to 2016] treats IRD as one of the priority areas. The objective of Integrated Rural Development being to transform rural areas into socially, politically and economically viable enclaves that contribute positively to the reduction of poverty and overall sustainable development in Malawi.
Rural development as a policy objective has been pursed for a long time. The advent of multiparty democracy in 1994 saw Malawi adopting a new constitution in 1995 which provides for good governance and development as rights. It further provides for a basis for decentralisation by prescribing powers and functions of democratically elected local governments. The government therefore adopted a National Decentralisation Policy and a new Local Government Act (1998) based on the Constitution. The Policy and the Act provided for the establishment of Local Governments as the key institutions that would deliver social and economic services more efficiently at local level. Following the enactment of the Local Government Act, 1998 and its revision in 2010, Local Government Elections were held in 2000 and later in 2014, ushering in Councillors as political heads of Councils and providing a platform for inclusive governance and decision making.
However, implementation of the National Decentralisation Policy was planned to cover a period of ten years in two phases. The first phase was for a period of four years commencing in the 2000/2001 fiscal year and ending in the 2003/2004 financial year. The Government intended that the first phase, preceded by a one-year crash programme, be focused on building capacity at the centre and the Local Governments for the smooth take off of the policy implementation process.
The second phase planned for the 2005-2009 period aimed at deepening the decentralisation process at the district and village levels and improving the management and service delivery capacities of Local Governments. This phase was designated in the initial National Decentralisation Programme II [2005-2009]. However, implementation of the NDP II did not succeed due to limited commitment of donors due to Government failure to conduct Local Government Elections in 2010.
As a follow-up to the tri-partite elections conducted in 2014 which ushered local councillors, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MOLGRD) with support from UNDP embarked on an evaluation of the NDPII with the aim of assessing the extent to which NDP II outputs and results were achieved through the implementation of its sub programmes. The evaluation also sought to identify key implementation challenges and successes in order to generate lessons that would inform the design and implementation of subsequent decentralisation programmes. The findings, lessons learnt and recommendations will assist the government and its development partners in determining the new direction for the decentralisation process and in designing the programme framework on integrated rural development and decentralization.
Currently, delivery of rural development programmes and projects is fragmented. Therefore, in order to ensure effective coordination of rural development initiatives in the country, the Ministry has established an IRD and Decentralization Sector Working Group (SWG), which brings together various actors in rural development and decentralization. The Ministry has formulated a National Integrated Rural Development Strategy (IRDS), which seeks to facilitate complementarity of the various rural development interventions in order to maximize benefits by harnessing synergies among the various programmes and projects implemented in rural areas. Gender and other cross-cutting issues (ie. HIV and AIDS, Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resource Management, Disability) have been mainstreamed in the strategy. The strategy will be used to implement the MGDS priority areas for integrated rural development and decentralization.
A consultancy is therefore being sought to formulate a National Programme Framework on IRD and Decentralization. The Framework is expected to provide programming details for IRD and Decentralization, including implementation arrangements pertaining to specific intervention areas.

MW-Financial Sector Technical Assistance - P122616

Expressions Of Interest For A Consultant To Develop A
Framework For Leasing Finance
RESERVE BANK OF MALAWI
FINANCIAL SECTOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT (FSTAP)
Country: Malawi
Name of Project: FinancialSector Technical Assistance Project(FSTAP)
Consulting Services: Development of a Framework for Leasing Finance
Credit No. 4897 Mw
Project IDNo. P122616
Date of Issue: 25th March2016
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FORA CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP A FRAMEWORK FOR LEASING FINANCE
1. This Invitation followsthe General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared in Development Business, of March 29th,2012.
2. The Government of the Republic of Malawi has received financing from the InternationalDevelopment Association (IDA) of the World Bank toward the cost of the Financial Sector Technical Assistance Project (FSTAP), and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the servicesof a consultant to develop a framework for leasing finance.
The Ministry of Finance intends to apply part of the proceeds of this credit topayments under the Contract for a consultant to develop a framework leasing finance.
3. Background
Reserve Bank together withThe Ministry of Finance is implementing Financial Sector Technical AssistanceProject (FSTAP) with development assistance from the World Bank. The project aims at increasing access to finance for thecurrentlyunbanked, but bankable Malawi population. Ministry of Finance is implementing Component 4 of the FSTAP Project AppraisalDocument (PAD) which is Financial Sector Policy and Governance Capacity and Long-term Finance.
The component is supporting the establishment of a policy framework and the legal and institutionalinfrastructure to: facilitate the provision of long term finance; strengthen the Government's capacity toformulate and implementpolicies which support long term financing; develop an infrastructure financing framework; and carry out diagnostic studies to identify short andmedium term solutions to the long term financing challenge in Malawi.
Absence of long term creditis one of the major impediments to doing business in Malawi. One of the possible solutions for longterm finance for businesses andindustry is the availability of leasing finance. Acting as an alternative source of funding for long term finance for capitalitems, leasing finance is expected to go some way towards meeting the growing demand for long term finance in the country.Therefore, the Government of Malawi would like to carry out an assessment for the establishment of a leasing finance framework inMalawi. Through this intervention the Government wishes to ascertain what needs to be done to put in place a framework that willmake leasing finance available in amounts, and for durations, that will spur growth and development of the leasingsector.
4. Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is tocome up with clear practical recommendations for establishing a framework for leasing finance in Malawi that will spur growth andactivity in the sector. Specifically, the study will:
· Identify impediments to growth anddevelopment of leasing finance in Malawi;
· Assess the policy, legal andmacroeconomic environment in which leasing business operates in the country;
· Determine demand and supply for leasingfinance in the country;
· Undertake comparative analysis of thesector with other jurisdictions in the region; and
· Propose legal, regulatory and policy recommendations for the establishment of theleasing finance framework.
5. Scope of Work
In coming up with its recommendation, the consultant is expected to:
3.1 Analyse and review existing policiesand laws, if any, on leasing finance;
3.2 Analyse the macroeconomic environmentin which leasing business is
operating;
3.3 Assess challenges currently being facedby the leasing sector;
3.4 Estimate current demand and supply ofleasing products in the different market
segments;
3.5 Assess viability of a formal market forsecond hand equipment;
3.6 Analyse the sources of funding andstructure forthe local leasing industry;
3.7 Compare Malawi's leasing market withother countries in the region in terms of:
o Legal and policy framework
o Product diversity
o Total industry credit market to leasing market
o Funding sources for leasing companies
3.8 Identify the key components of the leasing framework (policy, legal andregulatory);
3.9 Make recommendations on how to make leasing sector vibrant;
The Consultant will work in close consultation with the Financial Sector Policy Unit (FSPU) inthe Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development and the Study Steering Committee.
6. Methodology
The successful consultant isexpected to come up with a methodology for the study.
7. Consultant's Deliverables and Timelines
7.1 An inception report after 5 working days;
7.2 Draft Leasing Finance Framework Study report to be discussedwith stakeholders inWorkshop, latest 30 workingdays after commencing theassignment;
7.3 Final and approved Leasing Finance Framework Study report at the end of theassignment, maximum 60 workingdaysafter commencing the assignment.
8. Duration
The study isexpected to be completed within60working days from the time of signing contract with the successfulconsultant. The Consultant should therefore provide a detailed timelinefor executing the study including perceived project risksand contingency plans.
9. Qualifications and capabilities
The candidate mustdemonstrate the following qualificationsand experience
9.1 At least Master's degree in a relevant field such as bankingand finance, businessadministration, and economics;
9.2 Minimum of 5 years work experience for a PhD holder or 10 years work experience for aMaster's degree holder in relevant fields such as leasing, finance and banking;
9.3 Proven track-record in leasing finance consultancy;
9.4 Proven capacity to organize and facilitate workshops and meetings;
9.5 Organizational skills andadherenceto deadlines; and
9.6 Excellent communication and reporting skills, with ability to express ideas clearly,concisely and effectively, both orally and inwriting.
10. Reporting
The consultant will report to the Leasing Finance Framework Steering Committee through its Chairperson.
11. Selection of Consultant
The Consultant will be selected in accordance with Consultant's Qualifications (CQ) proceduresset out in the World Bank's Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants byWorld Bank Borrowers, of January, 2011 revised in 2014.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (8.00 hours to 16.00hours Malawi time).
12. Submissionof expressionof Interest
Interestedindividual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the servicessubject of these Terms of Reference (i.e. brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditionsetc.).
13. Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hoursi.e. 0900 to 1700 hours local time.
14. Expressions of interest must be delivered to the addressbelow by 15th April 2016.
(Signedby)
Project Manager,
Financial Sector Technical Assistance Project (FSTAP),
Reserve Bank of Malawi,
Convention Drive,
P.O. Box 30063,
Capital City,
Lilongwe 3
TEL: (265) 1 770 600/771600
FAX: (265) 1 773752
E-mail: josmilner@fstap.org and copy: stsokonombwe@fstap.org